90 PET BIRDS OP BENGAL 



enough to disengage itself from the Hme- 

 covered pole, it escapes into cover by 

 running with extreme fleetness. 



In its wild home it is an out-and-out 

 insect-feeder, hut in bondage, it is not so 

 nice about its food and takes the soft food 

 mixtures with relish. Insects should, ot 

 course, be provided and an occasional 

 rationing of kidney and liver keeps it in 

 good humour. To keep it in continued good 

 health, a periodical supply of cockroaches 

 and grass-hoppers is also necessary. 



Too nmch reliance should not be placed 

 on the sociable instinct of these birds ; for, 

 when housed together, they sometimes 

 evince a quarrelsome temper and work 

 mischief in the aviary. 



The livery of the bird is neat and decent, 

 if not gorgeous. The whole upper plumage, 

 ear-coverts and sides of the neck are red- 

 dish brown, changino- to cinnamon 

 Coloration on the wings. Lores, a short eye- 

 brow, chin, throat, and breast are 

 pure white shading into pale fulvous on the 



